Atlanta’s affection for soccer "received another bump" on top of Atlanta United’s success with yesterday’s announcement that the city, the team and Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the '18 MLS All-Star game, according to Doug Roberson of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank said, “I don’t think we have to worry about selling out the stadium for the All-Star game." Roberson notes the game will be "played within a two-week window encompassing the last week of July and first week of August." The opponent for the game "hasn't been determined but discussions are ongoing." MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that they hope to announce an opponent for the MLS All-Stars "within the next two months." The game will be "another in a series of important sports events at Mercedes-Benz that includes" the CFP Championship in '18, Super Bowl LIII in '19 and the Final Four in '20. Atlanta United was "one of four cities under consideration" to host the event. Atlanta United President Darren Eales said that a group of "approximately 30 Atlanta United Employees went to Chicago to observe the different facets" of this year's All-Star week (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/24). In Atlanta, Phil Hudson noted the city will "host nearly a week of events surrounding the game," including concerts, community service initiatives and player appearances (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/23).
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: In St. Paul, Andy Greder notes Minnesota United's Allianz Field is "under construction," with an opening set for the spring of '19. MLS has "yet to name a destination" for that season's ASG, and Allianz "could" be a possibility for the event along with Orlando City's newly opened soccer-specific stadium and DC United's Audi Field, which opens in '18 (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 10/24).
